Daily dose: Local history: changes coming to the IC and winter before climate change

In 1912, Illinois Central Railroad officials announced a number of changes along the railroad’s right of way in Champaign. Probably the most important is construction of a new ticket office and waiting room about 100 feet north of the present building, which will be used for other purposes. A large, two-story passenger station is proposed. It will be built of compressed brick, trimmed in a brown stone effect and lighted with gas and electricity. The old roundhouse is to be torn down at once. In its place is to be erected a new freight house.

In 1962, skaters in Champaign-Urbana will have the opportunity to get in lots of outdoor practice this weekend if the weather remains good. The skating area in Centennial Park, just west of the swimming pool, opened today. It will be lighted until 10 p.m. every evening. An old tank has been converted into a heating stove, and it will operate until 10 p.m. The park district also will erect a windbreak. And ice skating at Crystal Lake Park in Urbana will start tomorrow.